FIA approves request for Pirelli test days

The FIA's World Motor Sport Council has formally ratified Pirelli's proposal to increase the number of test days it is permitted in order to focus on improving its tyres.

Pirelli has been Formula 1's sole tyre supplier since 2011 and has remained keen to conduct track mileage, in order to better prepare its tyres, a situation accelerated by the impending 2017 regulation changes.

The WMSC has approved Pirelli's request to increase its test allowance from 12 to 25 days for the next three years, with cars running 2017-style tyres.

"The World Motor Sport Council today approved changes to Articles 10.2 and 10.6 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations in order to provide the appointed tyre supplier additional opportunities to undertake testing in preparation for the 2017 season," read a statement.

"The further testing was deemed to be essential for the purpose of developing the new tyre sizes permitted by the 2017 F1 Technical Regulations.

"The changes will allow 25 car days of testing with current cars, fitted with 2017 tyre sizes, in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

"In addition, there will be an opportunity to test prototype 2017 tyres (in 2016 sizes) on 2013 or 2014 cars – these tests on older cars only apply in 2016."